91 firebird. started and drove fine. parked for a few months now nothing. i put in a new battery. all electrics work. when you turn the key i believe either the oil pressure or the volt meter goes all the way to the right(i don't have the car here with me now and i just can't remember). engine doesn't turn at all. does this tell anyone anything? it's a 305 auto. should i just go buy a starter? start tracing wires? i did have the center console apart for a while is there some kind of wiring to the shifter that i missed? thanks for the help!!

 

Does the fuel pump prime? You'll be hearing a small buzz from the rear of the car if it's priming. If it's not, then I'd guess VATS, the little chip in your key. If you do hear a prime, it's more than likely a fuse/link that goes to the starter solenoid. The starting system includes the key, the VATS, the neutral safety switch (has to be in Park/Neutral to start), to the S-terminal on the starter, as well as the fusible links that mate to it.

But my guess is VATS. After 13+ years in these cars, the elements can take their toll. Dirt on the key, oxidation, moisture, etc. If you're not hearing the fuel pump, this is pretty much all it really can be. Very simple and cheap fix. Most people take the easy way of bypassing the VATS, because it's probably best. I did when I had this problem, then I had it removed from my computer when I built my 305. I've since removed the computer's control on things now by carberating a 350 instead Sorry, ran off track.





If you're hearing a fuel pump prime, start tracing wires (start from the key and work forward for voltage while "cranking" it) for voltage like I mentioned above.